While diving straight into a great car like the Ford Mustang as your first car, it can be tempting, but you really shouldn’t. Sure, there are less powerful versions of the Mustang across generations that don’t use a V8 powerplant. However, regardless of the amount of power it delivers, the Mustang’s rear-wheel drive layout and sporty nature can prove disastrous for new drivers. Plus, it’s hopelessly impractical.
Low fuel consumption and high insurance costs make the Mustang a poor choice
According to Engine and wheels,,The Mustang is not really something fiscally feasible for most teenagers in general. Sure, a select few have wealthy parents who are willing to pay for fuel. In addition, some new drivers can have decent paying jobs and short commutes so fuel economy isn’t an issue. For the most part, though, teenage drivers behind the wheel of a Mustang are likely to spend a disproportionate amount of their income on driving.
It’s not just the fuel that makes that the case. It’s no secret that insurance companies charge higher rates for young drivers. This is especially true for younger drivers who are relatively new to driving. In addition, insurance companies charge a premium for “high-risk” cars, such as rear-wheel drive coupes. Ultimately, merging the two adds up to a pretty substantial insurance premium.
On the plus side, the Mustang is a fairly affordable car to maintain. In the US, just about every part you’ll need for an older Mustang model can be found on the shelves of just about any auto parts store. Plus, they’re quite easy to work on and make a great starting platform for DIY repair jobs.
But let’s be honest. Everyone knows the real reason why a Ford Mustang isn’t a great car for novice drivers.
The temptation is there, and it can cause all kinds of trouble
We’ve all heard the age-old saying. Just because you have the horsepower doesn’t mean you should use it. While that is a simple thought on paper, it usually doesn’t go over well in practice.
Think back to your teenage years and all the questionable things you did behind the wheel of a car. Think realistically about all the questionable things you’ve done in general. If you can honestly say you would have been responsible enough to own a Mustang, consider yourself one of the few teens who are!
We all know why the Mustang is popular. It is rich in history as it is a dominant force on race tracks, be it drag strips or road courses. Of course, people like Carroll Shelby and Jack Roush who make extra spicy Mustangs and cooking bands like steaks are influential.
Let’s be honest; you don’t have to be a teenager to get excited about a GT500 coming around the corner with authority. However, the combination of knowing what is possible and not having the driving experience to perform such maneuvers can be disastrous. You’ve seen the Mustangs leave car meeting videos. All it takes is a crowd of eagerly waiting spectators, and even adults can’t help but get reckless in a Mustang.
Unless you come from a history of karting or something like that, buying a Mustang as your first car is far from ideal. Buy a cheap beater car and some driving experience. Then save money for a Mustang in the future.
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